Title pretty much sums it up.

I have tried recording it while driving, not the best audio quality though.
Trying to understand which suspension part contributes to this noise. Is it a strut compression/decompression?

Got a quote from a local shop for $1,700 (parts and labor) to replace all struts, and perform wheel alignment.

What's more important, is it something worth freaking out about? With windows down I can clearly hear the sound. Doesn't seem to affect handling.

 

what year, mileage? Do the struts have any signs of oil leaking down from the top? Does the car still drive nicely or do you notice some instability? I think that some noise is to be expected from the strut/shocks compressing over speed bump. What I'd look for is oil leaking from the strut, thumping noises (indicative of a bad spring seat/strut mount or control arm/sway bar bushing).

 

Year 2012, around 83k miles. I'll have to check for leaks. The car doesn't seem to sway from side to side. The noise is pretty noticeable, that's why I am concerned. I can even hear it simply on an uneven surface/terrain, but it is less obvious.

 

It may be the dust boot or bump stop in the struts are rubbing. see if you can see a plastic guard inside the spring is in place (its supposed to keep dirt off the top of the strut/piston. If those are out of place, its not something that would be dangerous...

 

To replace them you would still need to take out the entire strut assembly, right?
I kind of want to get rid of the noise, and if it is as cheap as replacing the dust boot or bump stop - I might go ahead and do it myself.
P.S. Appreciate your comments!

 

well the dust boot is inside the spring at the top of the strut so you'd want to take a look to see if you can access without disassembly.

 

During the recent oil change, when my car was on the lift we visually inspected strut assemblies, there were no leaks. Dust boots seemed to be holding in place.
I think if I get to the point of taking the entire strut out - I will be replacing it, considering the amount of labor to do that. Compressing springs, re-aligning the wheels, etc.